Bullock
announced Dec. 2 he’s dropping out, saying in a statement it’s become clear he
won’t be able to break into the top tier of a crowded primary.

The two-term
governor and former state attorney general tried to make the case he’s the best
bet to beat President Donald Trump because he’s the only Democratic candidate
to win in a state Trump won in 2016.

But Bullock
got a late start announcing his candidacy in May. Bullock struggled to raise
money and rise in the polls, qualifying for only one Democratic debate.

Democrats
have pushed Bullock to challenge Sen. Steve Daines in 2020. Bullock’s
spokeswoman Galia Slayen says he will not run for Senate next year.